Iran Signals Openness To U.S. Talks free from threats

Iran’s president has publicly signaled a willingness to reopen negotiations with the United States, marking the clearest shift yet from Tehran as tensions remain high following last month’s nationwide protests and the June Israel–Iran war.

In a statement posted on X in both English and Farsi, President Masoud Pezeshkian said he had instructed Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi to pursue “fair and equitable negotiations” with Washington — but only if talks take place “free from threats and unreasonable expectations.” The message followed what Pezeshkian described as requests from “friendly governments in the region” to respond to a proposal from U.S. President Donald Trump.

The announcement represents a notable turn for the reformist president, who had previously warned that unrest and external pressures had moved beyond his control. More significantly, it suggests tacit approval from Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who has long opposed direct talks with Washington.

Turkey has reportedly been working behind the scenes to facilitate discussions, possibly beginning with indirect talks before moving toward direct engagement if progress appears achievable. U.S. Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff, who previously held talks with Araghchi before the June conflict, is currently traveling in the region.

Late Monday, Ali Shamkhani — a senior Khamenei adviser and member of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council — confirmed that any talks would focus strictly on Iran’s nuclear program. He ruled out transferring enriched uranium abroad, dismissing a proposal Russia previously offered under the 2015 nuclear deal framework.

Iran has enriched uranium up to 60% purity, just short of weapons-grade levels, and continues to deny the International Atomic Energy Agency access to sites damaged during the war. Shamkhani said part of Iran’s uranium stockpile remains buried under rubble, making inspections “extremely dangerous.”

Trump, meanwhile, has broadened his demands to include Iran’s nuclear program and warned of consequences if negotiations fail, while reiterating a preference for a deal.

Key Takeaways:

• Iran has publicly authorized conditional talks with the U.S. for the first time since the June war.

• Tehran insists negotiations focus only on nuclear issues and rejects exporting enriched uranium.

• Trump signals openness to a deal — but warns military action remains on the table.

SOURCE: AP

Well perhaps he still has a shot at that peace prize ?